Sailing allows you to get away from the hustle and bustle of busy everyday life, relaxing and experiencing something new each time you head out on the sea. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a gentle breeze in your hair and the exhilarating freedom as you watch your boat glide through the big blue and explore new territories.

Besides sailing itself, there are plenty of boating activities you can enjoy. Whether you’re in it to connect with nature and enjoy some peace and quiet, spend some quality time with your family, or have an unforgettable adventure with your friends, there’s really room for everything. 

Here are the most fun boat activities you can do while at sea and on land:

Things to do while sailing at sea

There’s no better playground than the sea. From easy-going to adrenaline activities, everyone can find something for themselves.

Snorkeling & scuba diving

Diving at the Baron Gautsch shipwreck site in the Adriatic. Image source: Shutterstock

Snorkeling and scuba diving are both fun underwater activities that allow you to explore the beauty of marine life. Snorkeling enables you to enjoy beautiful panoramic underwater views of coral reefs and marine life from above, while scuba diving provides a closer underwater experience. Scuba diving is for more adventurous types, as it requires training and additional equipment but both activities can be equally exciting and memorable. 

Interested in sailing the Adriatic Sea? Check our guide on top scuba & snorkeling spots in Croatia here.

Swimming & water sports

Enjoying the fun moments on a yacht charter.

Swimming is probably the easiest and most accessible activity you can do on a chartered yacht. It requires no equipment and no effort to prepare. There’s nothing quite like plunging into the refreshing water after spending the day soaking in the sun! More luxurious yachts come with swimming pools onboard, so you can take a dip anytime you want. It’s a great way to entertain your kids or throw a pool party and dance the night away.

Most charter yachts also have a nice selection of “water toys” available for their guests, such as noodles, floaties, and swimming mats. If you’d like a bit of an adrenaline rush, you can enjoy tubing, jet-skiing, or wakeboarding as well. More athletic types and speed junkies will surely appreciate wind sports like kiteboarding, windsurfing, or wing-foiling. These sports require much more commitment, special weather conditions, and gear but are very exciting and fun.

Fancy a swim at mesmerizing Mediterranean beaches? Check out our list of the best Croatian beaches to visit here.

Fishing

A charter yacht allows you to explore some incredible fishing grounds in a leap of luxury. It also gives you an opportunity to catch fresh fish for dinner or impress friends with a tale about ‘the one that got away’. You can troll for big game fish in the deep water, spin for smaller game fish from the tender or stand-up paddleboard, or simply throw a line off the side of the boat for a bit of fun.

Boat parties

Friends enjoying the yacht party on a beautiful sunny day.

There’s no party like a yacht party. Whether you’ve been pondering a gift for that special someone or you want to celebrate a special occasion with your nearest and dearest, you can charter the perfect boat to accommodate all your friends and family and throw the birthday celebration of a lifetime! 

Designed for luxury entertaining, charter yachts offer endless amenities and décor possibilities. You can throw an unforgettable bachelor party, a murder mystery party, a masquerade ball, or any other thematic event you can think of. The only limit is your imagination! 

Before you start partying onboard, make sure you establish some ground rules. If it’s your first time chartering a yacht, read our guide on yacht etiquette here.

Things to do on land

Not all fun sailing activities take place on a boat. Get off the boat and explore your surroundings on foot!

Sightseeing 

Walking around the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. Image source: Shutterstock

Sightseeing is probably the most rewarding onshore activity you can do while sailing. Many sailing destinations boast some amazing cultural heritage sites or nature parks you can enjoy. 

If you decide on a yacht charter on the Adriatic, we recommend visiting at least one of the eight amazing national parks in Croatia. While in Croatia, you can also explore local World Cultural Heritage sites protected by UNESCO.

Hiking and cycling are also great ways to immerse yourself in nature, explore the local flora and sauna and take some great photographs. We are confident that you will find something that’ll capture your imagination and turn your sailing holiday into an unforgettable experience.

Trying out the local cuisine

Experiencing the local cuisine is a must while on a yacht charter.

Reward your taste buds after a long day of fun in the sun and explore the local culinary delights. If you’re sailing the Mediterranean, you’re in for a treat! Mediterranean cuisine is one of the healthiest cuisines and a real feast of flavor and fragrances, with beautiful colors and textures every foodie will enjoy.

Check out our list of top 10 Croatian restaurants for a yacht tour of the Adriatic here.

Wine enthusiasts will surely enjoy wine made from award-winning indigenous grape sorts bred in vineyards all over the Dalmatian coastline. If you’re a wine lover, make sure to read our selection of the best wineries to visit during a yacht charter in Croatia.

Example of a 1-day itinerary 

How your typical sailing day is going to look depends on who you’re with, what type of charter yacht you choose, as well as your personality and hobbies. If you’re sailing with your family, your day will be filled with family-friendly activities such as water sports, hiking, and lounging on the beach. If you’re with your friends - you’ll probably be more into partying and exploring the vibrant nightlife onshore. 

Here is an example of a 1-day yacht itinerary filled with various activities:

Morning

There’s no better way to start your day than a refreshing morning swim, followed by a light breakfast on board. After breakfast and your morning cup of coffee, you can dock the boat in the marina, go fishing with the locals or simply prepare the boat for the next destination. 

It’s not a bad idea to consult weather charts and make the plan for the rest of the day accordingly.

Noon

If the weather is favorable, you can enjoy the feel of sailing a yacht under full sails. For lunch, you can find some nice bay to anchor and try the local delicacies. You can spend the time until dinner sightseeing, swimming, sailing, or practicing watersports. A more relaxed option would be sunbathing or napping on the deck, sipping cold cocktails, or reading a good book.

Evening

The evening is usually reserved for either some relaxing activities or partying, depending on who you’re with. You can decide to stay on board and have a romantic sunset dinner with your significant other or a movie night with your kids. If you’re with your friend and want to explore what the nightlife has to offer, find a marina to spend the night in before the dark. Now you can enjoy the live music in a local restaurant, hit the club or throw a party.

Whichever activity you choose, you can’t go wrong!

Why go on a yacht charter vacation?

A yacht charter vacation is above all an unforgettable journey. Image source: Shutterstock

On a yacht charter, each new day is an adventure that can be filled with both relaxing and exhilarating activities. From sunbathing and lounging on deck to exploring the depths of the sea or local flavors, everyone can find something that’ll make their yacht charter vacation a dream come true. 

Even though summer seems far far away, now’s actually the best time to book a yacht charter because you can take advantage of discounts, you have a better choice of yachts, and flights are cheaper. 

Can’t decide on a destination? Check out reasons why Croatia is a perfect yacht charter destination here!